Viltrox's fast wide-angle prime for Nikon Z DX — a 35mm equivalent with f/1.4 speed.
The Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 STM is a fast wide-angle prime for Nikon Z DX-format cameras. Providing a 35mm equivalent field of view, it covers the popular street and documentary focal length with an f/1.4 aperture — a combination not available from Nikon themselves for the DX Z-mount system. It fills a significant gap in the native Z DX lens lineup.
Optical performance is good for the price. Sharpness is respectable from f/1.4 in the centre and very good by f/2.8. The ED and aspherical elements help control aberrations. Bokeh is smooth thanks to the fast aperture. Autofocus uses a stepping motor with full electronic communication including EXIF data, eye AF support, and aperture control from the camera body.
Nikon Z mount, DX format. Filter thread is 52mm. Weight is approximately 300 grams — compact on Z 30, Z 50, and Z fc bodies. Build quality is solid with a metal barrel. No weather sealing and no image stabilisation — the Z 50 and Z fc lack IBIS, so stabilisation relies on VR-equipped Z-mount lenses or newer bodies like the Z8/Z9 in DX crop mode.
Available on the used market at budget prices. Check AF accuracy and consistency. An important lens for Z DX shooters who want a fast wide-angle prime — Nikon offers no equivalent. The Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 offers a longer normal perspective, while the Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 covers portraits.